The Board denied increased ratings for bipolar I disorder and TMJ, but granted an effective date of October 11, 2007 for a total disability rating based on individual unemployability (TDIU).
The deciding factor: The Veteran's symptoms did not meet the criteria for higher ratings due to insufficient evidence of occupational and social impairment in most areas.
- Claimed conditions
- bipolar I disorder, temporomandibular joint capsulitis (TMJ)
- How they argued it
- Direct service connection
- Exposure basis
- None
- Rating assigned
- None in this decision
- Decision date
- November 8, 2024
- Citation
- A24073298
What this means for you
A denial is a starting point, not the end of the road. You can see why this claim fell short — and, if you are still inside the one-year window, the appeal lanes that may remain open to you.
What you can do next
Related decisions
Other Board decisions on a similar condition or argued the same way.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for bipolar I disorder, finding that the condition preexisted the Veteran's military service and was not aggravated by it.
- Denied
The Board denied a rating in excess of 50 percent for bipolar I disorder, finding that the Veteran's symptoms did not warrant a higher rating.
- Denied
The Board denied service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder, including bipolar I disorder, alcohol use disorder (mild), and major depressive disorder with psychotic features.
- Dismissed
The appeal of a grant of service connection for treatment purposes only under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 17 for bipolar I disorder is dismissed as the Board has granted service connection for an acquired psychiatric disorder in a September 2025 decision.
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This is general information, not legal advice. For advice about your own situation, talk to a VA-accredited representative — many help for free.